As Midnight has evolved from mere book to full blown cultural phenomenon, the direct effect on Savannah has been its growth from sleepy town to significant tourist destination. In fact, since Midnight's original publication in January 1994, tourism in Savannah has increased by a whopping 46% and it is estimated that between $100 and $200 million in tourist dollars have flooded the city. Nowadays, it is common to see tourists walking the streets, clutching what the locals refer to as "The Book," hoping to catch a glimpse of the female impersonator Lady Chablis or to photograph Jim Williams' Mercer House. As The New York Times observed, "not since William Tecumseh Sherman spared Savannah from the torch has this city been so indebted to a Yankee."

To learn more about Savannah, visit the special Fodor's feature. And be sure to stop back between August 2 and August 15, when John Berendt will be hosting the Fodor's Forum on Savannah and answering questions about the city and the book!